Just back heres the real truth

[beachclubstudio]

Are you kidding me,, we have always loved Disney Vacations, but this was bad in so many ways.. Why does it have to cost 45.00 for 2 cheeseburgers, 1 grilled cheese and some fries and soda?? why is the food sooo over priced and poor in most cases.Why does it cost 6.00 for 1 towel, 1 washcloth, 1 facecloth? why does it cost 3.00 for a bar of soap and a tiny shampoo bottle.. why cant the Beach club Villas be cleaner?? why cant you go online add the borders ,save the pictures and get them on the cd that you pay 100.00 for? why cant you print an 8x10 for less than 17.00..
I am very disheartened with the Disney Experience.. we love so much of it, but now feel its just way overpriced..we have been 3 times in the last 8 years and 1 time to West Coast Disneyland... but man o man ..things have changed..
all generic folders for pics,,why? thats so lame.. Attitudes os employees are different..more like "regular" employees" complaining..
And yea, we bought food from wegoshop, Marge was a pleasure and with perfect timing. so we tried to cut corners , eat breakfast in the room, bring brown bag lunches.. but still you have a few dinners here and there and BAM there it goes..and how many times can say WTH and just pay 150 for mediocre food..and that is what it is many places..and you all know it.
Location is great for BC, but the money costs for me , with 2 kids 11 & 8 are just overwhelming...so lame that disney needs to drain your wallet..anyhow.. the place was full and busy so i am just one jaded DVC owner... im sure noone really cares..especially here with all the disney love...

 

[mickeymousemom]

I'm sorry you are so disenchanted with Disney. I hate that you had a bad time. It seems as time passes I see and hear more complaints like this. I guess it just depends on how much you can take and when a person has had their fill.

We love Disney and we put up with it...for now. That doesn't mean we won't hit a snag like you've done and give WDW up for a little while.

Okay..now after rereading your post, I'm going to post something that I'm sure will come up later. I doubt I'll be the only one.

Where did you buy food(I would assume 3 sandwiches, 3 fries and 3 sodas??) in that amount that cost $45? I'm not sure I understand the $6 for extra towels thing, so it must be a DVC thing. Next time you could bring a couple extra of your own?? And we ALWAYS bring our own shampoo, soap, conditioner, etc. with us. Even when we stay in our own timeshare off property. I'm not trying to bash you here, just preparing you for what may come. If I'm misunderstanding what you're saying then please correct me.
Yes, WDW is draining on the old pocketbook, but there are ways to save money. Also, why not use your own digital camera for keeping the memories intact? I even read where one person gets their picture taken by a CM in the parks(for a Photopass) then hands the CM their camera to take the same picture. I know its harder to do at the character meals, but why not ask the person at the table next to you to snap a picture for you when the characters come around...you could do the same for them. People do it all the time. You certainly don't need WDW to take your pics for you.


I really am sorry you had a bad time. If you plan on keeping your DVC ownership then I would look at things in a different way, and see what you can do personally to cut costs a t WDW.

 

[Joann]

I agree it seems to cost alot now to go to disney world, last year it cost us about 8 grand for 2 adults and two kids 9 and 11, that was staying 10 days at POP 10 park hopper plus tickets, a car for 7 of those days, 5 day at universal tickets, flight, food and a few suvies! I didn't prepare that trip properly obviously hehe. Guess I didn't read the Dis boards enough! This year we are doing 11 days and by taking alittle time, well actually about 6 hours a day reading this darn message board hehe, here is what I am at in saving !!!
POP for 10 nights 11 days, flight for 2 adults 2 kids, 10 day hopper fun and more with water parks passes for 4 , a Suv for the 11 days,5 day universal tickets for all of us total...... 3600 dollars canadian! All this last year and we didnt even have a car for that long or an Suv, we were almost at 5 grand! I got deals on the flight flying not out of Toronto deal on the hotel with park tickets coupon for the car and Universal deal on their site! Now to just figure out how to eat their cheap is my next mission !!! Because I totally agree with everything you said in this post 150 bucks for so so food aint doing it for me!

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

It is definitely $$$$; I guess I just accept that since I certainly can't change it AND I want to keep coming!!!

But, I find it comparable to the cost of any "food at an entertainment venue". Have you priced popcorn and a coke at a movie lately? At a local carnival? At 6 Flags? It is all very expensive.

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

I really wouldn't mind the price of food so much if most of it wasn't mediocre or worse.

Had a Wrap from Hurricane Hannah's that was inedible-threw it away.
Had a Turkey Sandwich from B&C that was less than half the quality of a Subway sandwich. 15 french fries didn't impress us either.WE bought coldcuts from the marketplace for the rest of the vacation.

I do love the SAB pool, the WDW shows,parades,fireworks etc. Those seem well worth the money.

 

[pumba]

I know that there are going to be some bad instances. But I try to find the good places to eat too. I know that cosmic rays has the best chicken ceasar salad and also their home made soup is great. I love the double cheeseburgers at the Movies Resort. I think of the places that I have had good experiences and go there. Our family loves Le Cellier and it is worth the money to eat there on our trip. Hope that you try to enjoy some of the other places that you ate and went to.

 

[TLinden16]

Yes, the food and stuff is expensive at Disney, but when you think about how much it costs, I'd have to guess that a lot of that money goes towards the fireworks shows, the stage shows, the extras. It takes a lot of money to run a theme park.

 

[cornflkgrl]

Before we left for our first trip to Disney World last week we felt violated by them. $2220.00 for 2 people for 7 day trip. We thought this was outrageous and I was totally prepared to feel terrible about this cost the whole time and when we got back but we have not even really complained at all about it because we just felt our trip was so magical it was all worth it.

I'm sorry you felt your trip was too expensive. I don't know much about the Disney Timeshare stuff so I cannot suggest anything on that front. Do they have dining plans for that? We used the DP on our vacation and it was wonderful. We also took all our own shampoo ect. However, I will admit that when i got blisters and had to buy bandages from the hotel gift shop I just about cried at the cost but I have worked at a resort in the mountains before and I am used to buying 6.00 boxes of cereal so I was expecting it. I imagine it is more of an expense of a larger family to go on such a trip. Maybe you could set aside a certain account just for "extras" like the stuff you mentioned and save throughout the year.

 

[Azure]

Are you kidding me,, we have always loved Disney Vacations, but this was bad in so many ways.. Why does it have to cost 45.00 for 2 cheeseburgers, 1 grilled cheese and some fries and soda?? why is the food sooo over priced and poor in most cases.Why does it cost 6.00 for 1 towel, 1 washcloth, 1 facecloth? why does it cost 3.00 for a bar of soap and a tiny shampoo bottle.. why cant the Beach club Villas be cleaner?? why cant you go online add the borders ,save the pictures and get them on the cd that you pay 100.00 for? why cant you print an 8x10 for less than 17.00..
I am very disheartened with the Disney Experience.. we love so much of it, but now feel its just way overpriced..we have been 3 times in the last 8 years and 1 time to West Coast Disneyland... but man o man ..things have changed..
all generic folders for pics,,why? thats so lame.. Attitudes os employees are different..more like "regular" employees" complaining..
And yea, we bought food from wegoshop, Marge was a pleasure and with perfect timing. so we tried to cut corners , eat breakfast in the room, bring brown bag lunches.. but still you have a few dinners here and there and BAM there it goes..and how many times can say WTH and just pay 150 for mediocre food..and that is what it is many places..and you all know it.
Location is great for BC, but the money costs for me , with 2 kids 11 & 8 are just overwhelming...so lame that disney needs to drain your wallet..anyhow.. the place was full and busy so i am just one jaded DVC owner... im sure noone really cares..especially here with all the disney love...

Wow that's alot of money for little food. But like Karen said, it probably goes to the rides and fireworks shows.

 

[iluvdizknee]

Ok am I doing something wrong? 2 adults, 2 teens....never did we spend $45 for 2 cheeseburgers. I quess you got to know where to eat. We go for the quick meals too. I really dont think that WDW is that expensive to eat. I live in NJ ..try to eat at Six Flags for a family of four. A pizza and 4 drinks will run you about $35-$40...

 

[OhMari]

Most people don't like to pack towels, shampoo, food etc. But some times you have to make a choice, and everything is getting expensive.

I heard you can order groceries from "Goodings" and they will deliver to your room. Or take the time and go to the Super Walmart or Target and buy soap, towels, bread, water, snacks. That way you can budget and have some control.


I remember being in Washington DC with my family and we went to a cafe in the basement of the History Museum. Fruit, salad and 4 sandwhiches, 1 soda came to well over $45. At first I was outraged, but then I thought, hey, this play is free (not technically-my tax dollars) but we didn't bring food with us and we wanted to eat at that moment, instead of leaving and looking for a resturant. The food was actually quite good.

 

[beachclubstudio]

I kinda figured the 1100.00 for park passes for 8 days for 3 adults, 1 child coverd the fireworks..and the 45 bucks was at Beach clubs ice cream parlor and included tip, which does count..its still $$..

We did buy food, we did save some money ..if we didnt i would REALLY be upset..
My point is, that the joy ,happiness fun, excitement is now being drained by the pure cost...i mean cmon, generic folders for a 17.00 8x10 photo?? whats up with that ? Its all about the money and profits now, well it alwasy has been but now its just clearer..
So for me the point is that if you want to eat mcnuggets, fried food and the likes you can keep costs down..but is that a vacation?
Spoodles was great , but still way overvalued, 18.00 for pasta? You get numb and throw in the towel after a while, then you get mad again..its just not right..
Of course i chose to take my family there, we have been several times as i said.. DVC timeshare is not nearly what i imagined.. Deluxe Accomodations is FARRRR from what we had, or maybe You need to stay in a 1 bedroom for that.. but if i am going to pay 600 a year for maintance, plus say a 13000 investment ..i would expect better.. my points of 150 got me 7 nights last week for example, using a 40 year term it cost me about 925 per week for lodging.. (40yrs x 600 plus 13000 initial cost)
When we arrived at 8:00pm friday the room we got was 525 , dedicated studio ..it had beer caps in the trash barrel in the room, money and crumbs on the counter, a bag tag on the end table fetween the beds from previous guest,,AND a dirty baby bottle with nipple on next to tv inside cabinet.. that was disgusting!! I had to really complain to get out of that room, there was no way i was starying there..we ended up in 443 which was fine but well used and not the view we requested, and yea i know that is pure luck..
But for me, park tickets are HUGE cost.. and food is just to much like banquet style even when you pay alot.. thats my main gripe really ..if the food was Good, i wouldnt complain..but a steak for 24.00 should be on the high end, not just ok..

 

[tmt martins]

You can't blame Disney for this it's everywhere.

Movies $8.00 a ticket $4.00 bottled water and so on.

DD wanted to spend the week at OC,MD. two years ago lots of family going at same time and as we have been to WDW the past couple years I really wanted to compair total cost.

Now the entertainment ,boardwalk and parks at OC being nice are no Disney and we hit OC at least 3or4 times a year for small trips.

With Room ,gas , food and entertainment OC was just $200 less then we paid the year before at Disney. The food is about the same high priced and hit or miss on weather good or not.

I just don't know how bigger families with mid incomes survive and keep their sanity.

This why we bought into DVC for this very reason.Now we just got back from OC for soccer tourn.but it was off season and had discount .But we are getting more bang for our buck with Disney hands down.

 

[snyderla]

I'm getting ready to go on my 15th trip to WDW and I have noticed in the 2 most recent trips more CM's openly complaining about their jobs. Before Sept of last year I had NEVER heard any complaints. But, I still love WDW and being a DVC member. And wow, I've never spent that much on such little food. Of course, we always get our burgers at counter service places, no tips. Also, since the laundry machines are free, we just wash our towels and don't order extra service. We DO get extra towels from the pool area or housekeeper if we need them. (I know, we aren't supposed to take towels from the pool area, but we needed them once and they were easier to get there. We put them in the proper receptacle when done.) I'm sorry you had such a bad experience. Your report reminds me of the words my father said when we were there in December "this has been the worst trip EVER!" He was upset that we weren't going to be able to see Narnia before we had to leave for home. They were waiting for Bush to show up for the press event. We had a couple of other unpleasant experiences during that trip, but being at WDW even with those issues was better than being at home or work!!!
Lori

 

[Amy&Dan]

OP, I see your point even though I haven't experienced it to the extent you obviously did. I do know when I am at WDW or DL, there are times when I think, if I thought too deeply about what I am spending at this moment for food, or whatever else, I would probably get very disgusted. But then the Disney magic takes over and I get over it. Bottom line, I love Disney vacations and am willing to pay the price for them. It sounds like the Disney magic has left your life, maybe its time you take a break from WDW for awhile. You can use your points for the World Passport Collection, rent them or even sell your contract. Maybe just taking a break is all you need. I agree that a Disney vacation is very expensive and yet I still think that for the total immersion and entertainment a Disney vacation offers, its not a bad deal. I agree with others, when I spend $50 for movie tickets and popcorn to see an 80 minute movie with my kids, then the money I spend at Disney doesn't seem so bad. I am sorry you had that experience, it happens and its a shame when it does. I also think once you cross the line into dissatisfaction with any vacation, its pretty hard to regain the good feelings. I also have to say that at $925 for a weeks lodging is actually a good deal. If you can find any place, anywhere that has the amenties and location of BCV for $132 a night that would be amazing.

 

[Danaans]

It seems in the last few years you hear more and more of this. The prices are climbing higher and higher, and the difference in cast members is getting more and more noticeable. The crowds ruder. I think Disney has bowed down in the last few years to the dollar. After all -- they now are a mega company with mega employees and a huge overhead. Small wonder -- now it's attacking the pocketbooks of the people. It's like everything else in life, if you want it...you pay for it. My whole family went last year...there was 11 of us....I won't even begin to mention what it cost (and we stayed at the cheapest onsite value resort --ASMo!) But I have to add in closing my granddaughter who is three, won't stop talking about it, her face lights up when she talks about the princesses, or the castle or Mickey himself. So here's my two cents for what its worth, yes it was expensive, but the whole family was together, and my grandchildren had a experience they enjoyed immensely... So, can you put a pricetag on that? For me the answer is no...it was god-awful expensive, but for me worth every penny.

 

[WDWorld2003]

I think everything, everywhere is getting more expensive. Disney's food doesn't seem that out of line. I went to TGIF for lunch with my sister last week. I had small cup of soup, small salad, coffee, and split an appetizer 3 ways - with tip it was over $17.00 just for me and it wasn't that good! A fancy Caribou coffee is from $3.50-$5.00 and I'm not at Disney - just the local shopping mall. However, you're right for the amount of $ is should not be mediocre food.

Another possiblity for you in the future would be using a car and eating off site a few nights - I hear there are some great places we hope to try in the future.

I, too, have heard a few CM's complain and notice people are ruder. However, Disney can't control the rudeness of the general population and the CM's are the ones dealing with them so maybe that's why they are complaining.

Now the room not being clean is definitely an issue and you should let Member Services know. You're right about DVC not being deluxe. I think the resorts themselves are very nice but the rooms are only average compared to what's out there. However, you are paying for location, location, location. Again, everything is getting more expensive. I was just checking a Holiday Inn at peak time for a small town in Iowa during homecoming week - $125 + tax for the night with AAA discount.... unbelievable!

A big plus for you is you can sell those BCV points in a second for probably a nice profit - you can't do that with many timeshares!

Hope you're next trip is better.... a break from the Mouse might be good.

 

[epb217]

Having fun is expensive! A ski vacation will cost the same as a Disney vacation and the day is usually over at 4 pm. I agree that Disney is very expensive, but I also think you get a lot of value for your dollar, A broadway show which only lasts 2 hours can cost over 100 dollars for one person, not including a meal!

 

[SandraVB79]

I am very sorry you are so upset and you didn't enjoy your vacation.

However, it seems to me that it is just now that you realize that your studio will cost you $900+ for a week, didn't you do calculations beforehand?

i mean cmon, generic folders for a 17.00 8x10 photo?? whats up with that ?

Yes, but nobody forces you to actually buy them. I have been a couple of times to DL and DLP, and only twice did we buy their pictures. And only because our own pictures were with a regular camera, so we wanted to be sure we had "good" pictures with the Mouse himself. Now, with the digital camera, we can see immediately whether we have a good picture from our own.

Disney is expensive, but as someone else mentions, other forms of entertainment are also expensive. I bought tickets for Beauty and the Beast at Oberhausen (Germany). It costs me about $150 per ticket + I have to add hotel costs. So, with dinner, that will cost me $500. Add the cost to get there and some shopping (since that musical only lasts 2.5 hours or so, we have the rest of those 2 days to fill). For that price, I could go 3 days to Disneyland Paris!

Nobody forces you to spend your money at Disney. I do, because I love Disney, and I think many people share the same opinion, but not every one is the same.

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

Prices are up everywhere, not just Disney. It's sad but a fact of life in order to enjoy anything, cough up the money. But I think fresh air and sunshine are still free, unless you count property taxes! Sorry you spent more than you cared to.